Thumbs up from residents on revival of Tenom-Melalap train service

TENOM, March 31 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government’s decision to revive the train service from Tenom to Melalap has been described as a “special gift” to the residents of Melalap.

"This is a very encouraging news for all residents here in Melalap,” said former State Native chief Madusin Datuk Sanggau, 64.

The railway from Tenom to Melalap was built in 1906 by the British North Borneo Charted Company, but its service was stopped during the Berjaya government era some four decades ago as it was no longer competitive after the Tenom-Keningau-Kota Kinabalu road was constructed.

British North Borneo Charted Company set up the railway line as a major route transporting rubber goods and other agricultural produce to the state capital Jesselton (now known as Kota Kinabalu).

Madusin said that when the service is revived, it would boost economic development among locals, thus making Melalap  a tourism destination in the state’s interior.

He suggested that the government come up with more activities so as to attract tourists to the area.

“Melalap  needs to have something interesting built or developed here to bring in the crowds, apart from the Murut Cultural Centre.

“It is also necessary to provide adequate facilities such as restaurants and accommodation," said Leong Tong Hin, 66, who was born and raised here.

He said reviving the train service from Tenom to Melalap would bring back many memories not just for him but so many others in the area.

The reconstruction of the Tenom-Melalap railway track officiated by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Afdal today, is expected to be fully operational within three years..

-- BERNAMA